This is a generalized workflow that can be used when modeling a corridor with the Roadway Designer.
1) Create Template tool:
a. Construct Templates with as much vision as possible, and with the appropriate level of detail. Start with Backbone zone, and then do the End Conditions
i. Drag & Drop Technique
ii. Build from scratch
iii. Import from Graphics
b. Merge Components as necessary
i. Rename / Assign Styles as needed
c. Check Point Names for uniformity
i. Make sure Affixes have been correctly applied
ii. Assign Feature Name Overrides as applicable
1. Usually only on End Condition Points
d. Check Component Names for uniformity
i. Assign Component Name Overrides as applicable
1. Use only with full understanding
e. Verify the Template Point Constraints
i. Review Point Properties
ii. Display in Constraint view
g. If using Parametric Constraints check Labels
h. Create any Alternate Surfaces as needed
i. Verify the four End Condition Point Properties toggles
j. Test End Conditions
i. Verify the End Condition Priority sequencing
k. Test any Point Controls
l. Save the ITL file (if it hasn't been done a dozen times earlier)
2) Roadway Designer:
a. Create a new Corridor
b. Drop Templates at strategic locations
c. Edit any Backbone Template Transition areas
i. Address any Constraint issue as needed here
d. Address any expected End Conditions Exceptions
i. At intersections or overpasses
e. Define any relevant Parametric Constraints used in the modeling
f. Add Point Controls as needed
g. Establish any Secondary Alignments that should be used to improve modeling accuracy and cross section visualization
h. Add Key Stations as needed at additional modeling locations
i. Add any Display References as deemed valuable
i. Add Right-of-Ways
ii. Add Utilities
iii. Add other Surface / Geometry reference data as needed for review or checking
j. Review single Cross Sections from the Roadway Designer
k. Revise any Global Templates
i. Copy & Edit Templates
l. Address any unexpected or additional End Condition Exceptions based on the review of the Cross Sections
m. Revise any Single "1-off" cross section locations by editing those locations in the Roadway Designer
n. Set up Target Aliasing if multiple Corridors are to be modeled together simultaneously
o. Do a final cross section review of the design
p. Create the final Design DTM
q. Save the IRD file if it hasn't already been saved
A Message from the Zen Dude
Hello!
This is Mark.
Well, what's my message for this issue?
OpenRoads - a.k.a. InRoads SS3, a.k.a. InRoads SS4, a.k.a. Power InRoads SS3 or SS4, or the same SS#'s for the GEOPAK and MX Road flavors of Bentley Civil.
Honestly, I don't even know where to start. (And I'm aware of the fact that I talked about this in my last ZI Issue). But I guess I just can't get this out of my system. This newly evolving next generation version of Bentley Civil is very misunderstood, and I can't help but blame it on some breakdown in the system communication channels somewhere. Whether it's the IT department, the software sales individual, certain users, 'early adopters' running the show, or just due to a general lack of understanding what Civil software is, or does.
I'm trying to figure out how to say this politically correct but still get the point across. And this is probably better left to my upcoming Zen Dude Blog.
Before anyone attempts to rollout OpenRoads to unsuspecting users, or on a high-pressure, high-profile project, or in an un-configured, untested CAD environment, or for those that believe that these SS3/4/? releases are just minor upgrades to InRoads . . . Please . . . Stop.
Go talk to someone you trust. Someone without a vested interest. Someone who understands the software and the engineering / survey business.
I know for some of you this advice is too late, but for others hopefully it's not.
Should you move to the 'latest and greatest'?
Maybe. It's a very powerful evolution.
You just have to do your due diligence so you know exactly what you are getting into. There is a lot of bang in OpenRoads and the core of my 'venting' is hearing from users, companies and agencies that did not know what was going to happen when someone delivered a potential Pandora's box to their designers. And as the legend goes, it was a good thing that Epimetheus was around to reopen the box and let 'hope' also escape.
Call me if you need to.
Civilly Yours,
- Mark aka "The Zen Dude"